Mayor's Breakfast - March 21, 2024
Mayor's Breakfast 2024
You are cordially invited to the Mayor's Breakfast event on Thursday, March 21, 2024 where Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark will speak about her vision and priorities for businesses and the community in the upcoming year. The event will also include a panel discussion featuring prominent business leaders. Featured local business panelists include HB Digital, Grocery Outlet of Huntington Beach, and Sunshine Makers (Simple Green).
Breakfast provided by Masala Waves
Registration - 7:30 a.m.
Breakfast & Program: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
The Senior Center in Central Park
18041 Goldenwest St
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Admission
Chamber Members: $45
Guests: $55
Table of 8: $350
For tables & sponsorship: tfigarsky@hbcoc.com or (714) 536-8888 ext. 703
Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
Mayor Van Der Mark is the daughter of immigrant parents from Ecuador and Mexico who came to America in search of a better life. Raised with 10 brothers and sisters, she is a self-described fighter to give voice to the under-served. She grew up in Los Angeles where she met her husband Pieter. Gracey and Pieter are small business owners. They moved to Huntington Beach 23 years ago from Los Angeles to seek safety, quality of life and a family-friendly environment to raise their blended family of 7 children. Gracey is a proud grandmother to her first grandson, Ethan.
As Gracey's children grew older she became committed to serving her community. She was selected to serve on the Measure R Bond Oversight Committee for the Ocean View School District and was asked to serve on the Measure Q Bond Oversight Committee for the Huntington Beach City School District. Mrs. Van Der Mark also served on the City of Huntington Beach Finance Commission for three years.
While serving on the Bond Oversight Committees, Mrs. Van Der Mark became more involved in local elementary school matters. As a result of her relentless research and ability to expose concerning curriculum, Gracey co- founded Concerned Parents of California, a parent-driven advocacy group. She planned, organized and executed numerous advocacy trips to Sacramento to meet with legislators on behalf of parents and children. She has been a guest speaker to parent and civic groups across Southern California helping parents understand and advocate for their children's safe and appropriate education.
Mayor Van Der Mark is extremely grateful for the quality of life afforded her and her family in Huntington Beach. She is 100% community focused and passionately committed to preserving our previous suburban beach community for future generations to enjoy these same opportunities.
Pat Burns, Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member Pat Burns was a police officer for many years, serving in various roles such as patrol, helicopter pilot/observer, and narcotics investigator. He retired as the Port Boat Unit Lieutenant. He has been a Huntington Beach resident for almost 30 years, raising two daughters with his wife. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting, a minor in French, and a Master in Public Administration. Council Member Burns believes in the importance of community service and has served on many commissions and boards, including the St. Bonaventure School Board and Finance Committee, Huntington Beach Citizen Participation Advisory Board, and the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission.
Rhonda Bolton, Council Member
Rhonda M. Bolton is a Council Member appointed to the Huntington Beach City Council in July 2021. She has a background in law and federal public policy and has worked on landmark laws such as the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Ms. Bolton is also the founder of a DEI consultancy and is passionate about equity and liberty for all people. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Juris Doctor degree.
Dan Kalmick, Council Member
Council Member Dan Kalmick, a native of Orange County, was elected to the Huntington Beach City Council in November 2020. Prior to his election, he served for 8 years on the Planning Commission, where he worked on open space preservation, housing policy, and pro-business zoning. He has also served as a Reserve Firefighter/EMT with the Orange County Fire Authority and held various positions on boards and commissions related to energy and the environment. Councilmember Kalmick is focused on protecting and rebuilding the economy, expanding housing options, promoting equal rights, and addressing homelessness in the city. He lives in Northeast Huntington Beach with his wife and children.
Casey McKeon, Council Member
Council Member Casey McKeon is a third-generation resident of Huntington Beach. He attended Harbour View Elementary and graduated from Marina High School in 1997. He then earned his degree from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California in 2002. Today, he is a business owner in the commercial real estate sector, specializing in renovating shopping centers. One of his notable projects was the renovation of the shopping center on the southeast corner of Warner Avenue and Springdale Street, across from his family's business, the Beef Palace Butcher Shop.
Council Member McKeon has served on both the Finance Commission and the Charter Review Commission. He resides in southeast Huntington Beach with his wife Josephine, their French Bulldog Hank, and their first child Liam, who was born in August 2022. Liam is the fourth generation of McKeons to call Huntington Beach home.
Natalie Moser, Council Member
Council Member Natalie Moser is a longtime resident of Huntington Beach and a successful business owner. With a background in financial services and an MBA from Chapman University, she brings a wealth of experience to her role on the City Council. Natalie is also a breast cancer survivor and a committed community leader, serving on various boards and councils including the Ocean View School District and the HB Human Relations Task Force. Since taking office in 2020, she has focused on improving accessibility and mobility, protecting the environment, and addressing homelessness and community wellness. Natalie lives in Northwest Huntington Beach with her family and their two dogs.
Tony Strickland, Council Member
Council Member Tony Strickland is a former State Assemblyman and State Senator.
During his three terms in the State Assembly, Tony served as Chairman of the Health Committee and Governmental Organization Committee, serving also on the Insurance, Banking, and Finance Committees. While in the State Senate, former Mayor Strickland served as Vice Chair of the Senate Committees on Health and Environmental Quality, and a Leader on the Senate Energy & Utilities and Communications Committee.
Council Member Strickland operates his own political and business consulting firm, Tony Strickland Consulting, in Huntington Beach. Most recently, he served as the Mayor of Huntington Beach, and Vice-Chair of the Huntington Beach Finance Commission.
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